Teaching inclusivity and diversity: audio case studies

Why teach diversity and inclusion?

Activism such as the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the inequalities that people from diverse backgrounds face both in their everyday lives and whilst at work. This is likely to generate a stronger emphasis on driving diversity and inclusion across society and within the workplace. Teaching diversity and inclusion is important as it helps students recognise and celebrate what makes us different to benefit themselves and their future workplaces.

LifeSkills has developed a suite of diversity resources to support students to develop their understanding of diversity and inclusion, including how this will help them succeed in the world of work. This page contains five short case studies exploring different topics, covering gender, LGBTQ+, culture, age and disability (you can find further diversity and inclusion resources via the links at the bottom of this page).   

What are the benefits of the diversity and inclusion case studies?

Students will hear people share their own stories of diversity and inclusion in relation to different organisations, helping them realise the multiple aspects of diversity. The case studies aim to inspire, and help young people have the confidence to be themselves. They also explore the role that businesses have in supporting their employees to feel included and valued in their workplace.

How can I deliver these case studies as part of a session with young people?

The case studies can be used as a standalone activity, to aid the reflection of what it means to show inclusive, positive behaviours towards others or to support the delivery of other diversity and inclusion resources.

You could use the following questions to prompt discussion or use the case studies as part of a short, interactive session. Accessibility transcripts have also been provided as PDF downloads on this page. Each case study is no longer than six minutes.

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you, and why do you think we need it?

Have you ever experienced a time when you haven’t felt like you belonged? If yes, how could the situation have been approached differently by the people around you and what would have been the benefit? If no, think of a situation you may have read about where someone was treated differently and consider all the missed opportunities?

What were some challenges that Pensi initially encountered in her career as a result of her gender?

E.g. Was the only woman on her course when she started training, someone in the engineering department even asked her if she was lost (this could be a good opportunity to explain that this action would be classed as a microaggression – explore this and other concepts further in the racial equality film and activity).

How did Pensi overcome these challenges?

Instead of letting this knock her confidence, Pensi saw it as motivation to prove herself.

If your students would benefit from support to help them be themselves and overcome issues that affect young people, such as bullying, digital wellbeing, mental health, relationships and identity, people visit www.ditchthelabel.org – a leading and global youth organisation. Ditch the label also provides free resources for educators.